Freelancer.com has evolved from a traditional freelancing marketplace into a platform designed to coordinate complex, enterprise-level innovation in the AI era. With more than 80 million users globally, the company’s recent transformation reflects a broader shift in how organizations access and deploy specialized talent at scale.


As AI adoption accelerates, organizations are encountering a growing challenge: while automation reduces the need for routine work, it simultaneously increases demand for highly specialized human expertise. Projects involving AI development, validation, and multilingual data training require niche skills that are globally distributed and difficult to source through traditional hiring models.

A Platform Built for Coordination, Not Replacement
Freelancer’s response was to rethink the role of its platform. Rather than positioning AI as a substitute for human work, the company developed systems that use AI to coordinate human expertise more effectively.

This shift is reflected in several key developments:

Intelligent Talent Orchestration: AI-driven systems that match and coordinate teams across disciplines, languages, and geographies—demonstrated through large-scale projects spanning more than 50 languages.

Enterprise-Grade Infrastructure: Financial and technical systems capable of supporting high-value, complex engagements, including transactions reaching tens of millions of dollars.

Moonshot Innovation Program: A framework for tackling large-scale, multi-phase challenges by coordinating distributed teams, managing intellectual property, and structuring collaborative research.

Together, these capabilities move the platform beyond task-based freelancing into coordinated innovation delivery.

Positioning for Emerging Technologies
Freelancer’s model is increasingly aligned with emerging fields such as quantum computing and advanced AI, where expertise is scarce and globally dispersed. By enabling organizations to access and coordinate that expertise, the platform is positioning itself as infrastructure for a new category of innovation work.

Rather than replacing human input, the company’s approach reinforces the role of human judgment, creativity, and problem-solving—supported by systems that enable large-scale collaboration.

Freelancer.com earned a Gold Stevie® Award for Best Business Technology Pivot in The 2025 International Business Awards®.

Interested in entering for 2026?

Virgin Voyages is an adults-only luxury cruise line reshaping the hospitality and leisure industry with a modern, experience-driven approach to ocean travel. Founded in 2014 by Richard Branson, the company launched its first voyage in 2021 and has since established itself as a distinct alternative to traditional cruise models.

With a fleet of “Lady Ships” and a focus on inclusive, no-surprise pricing, Virgin Voyages delivers a streamlined, elevated travel experience across destinations in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and beyond.
The global cruise industry has long been defined by legacy operators, standardized offerings, and incremental innovation. Virgin Voyages entered this space with a fundamentally different model—targeting adult travelers seeking a more contemporary, flexible, and design-forward experience.

By eliminating common industry practices such as surcharge-heavy pricing and gratuity-dependent service structures, the company addressed long-standing friction points in customer experience while aligning more closely with modern hospitality expectations.

A Distinctive and Technology-Forward Approach
Virgin Voyages has introduced a range of innovations across both onboard experience and operational strategy. Its ships feature award-winning dining, entertainment, and wellness offerings included in the base fare, reducing complexity for travelers. The brand has also invested in advanced connectivity, offering high-speed internet capabilities that rival land-based environments, supporting both leisure and remote work needs at sea.

Beyond onboard features, the company has expanded rapidly, introducing 19 new destinations and 27 itineraries through April 2025, with routes spanning Europe, the Caribbean, and additional global markets. Strategic initiatives, including new market entries and experiential partnerships, position the brand as both a travel provider and a broader lifestyle offering.

Delivering Measurable Growth and Industry Recognition
Since 2023, Virgin Voyages has achieved significant industry recognition across multiple independent platforms. The company was named the #1 Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line by Travel + Leisure and earned top rankings in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. It also received multiple honors from Cruise Critic, including Best Overall Cruise Line, Best Dining, and Best Service.

Operationally, the company has supported its growth with a capital raise to accelerate international expansion and enhance customer experience. At the same time, it has maintained a strong focus on workforce practices, implementing policies that ensure crew members receive living wages independent of gratuities—an approach that contributes to employee satisfaction and service quality.

What distinguishes Virgin Voyages is its integrated approach to innovation, employee experience, and brand positioning. Rather than adapting existing cruise frameworks, the company has built a model centered on transparency, design, and cultural relevance. Its adults-only positioning, emphasis on inclusivity, and continued investment in both technology and global expansion reflect a broader shift toward experiential travel.

Virgin Voyages earned a Gold Stevie® Award for Company of the Year – Hospitality & Leisure – Large and a Gold Stevie Award for Most Innovative Instagram Feed in the 2025 International Business Awards®.

Interested in entering for 2026?

Founded in 1985, Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSPNJ) is a peer-led nonprofit organization that provides community-based services promoting recovery, wellness, and independence for individuals with lived experience of behavioral health conditions. Over four decades, CSPNJ has grown from three drop-in centers into a statewide network offering community wellness centers, supportive housing, advocacy, and outreach services.

Today, CSPNJ serves more than 16,000 community wellness center members and 600+ supportive housing residents across New Jersey. The organization employs over 360 staff, many of whom bring lived experience to their roles, reflecting CSPNJ’s commitment to peer-led service delivery.

Expanding Housing, Outreach, and Crisis Services
CSPNJ has expanded significantly in recent years, particularly in homelessness outreach and crisis response services. Through partnerships with state agencies and community organizations, the organization provides preventative services, street outreach, and warming centers across multiple counties. Since 2023, CSPNJ has launched several new statewide and county-specific programs, including initiatives supporting veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness.

The organization has also strengthened its crisis response capabilities. Its Peer Wellness Respite programs, which serve as alternatives to hospitalization, increased occupancy rates from 72.2% to 92.6% between 2023 and 2024. In 2025, CSPNJ introduced Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Teams (MCORT), providing rapid, community-based mental health support through peer specialists and behavioral health professionals.

Growing Impact and Community Reach
Since October 2023, CSPNJ has grown by 28%, reflecting the addition of new programs and increased demand for services. Over the past year alone, the organization has reached more than 12,000 individuals through homelessness outreach and related services.

The organization is also seeing increased engagement from younger populations. Across its statewide network, CSPNJ has welcomed hundreds of new members aged 18–30, reflecting shifting community needs and the ongoing impact of mental health challenges following the pandemic.

Internally, CSPNJ has focused on workforce development and organizational culture. The organization has been recognized as a Top Workplace in both 2024 and 2025, with 90% of employees reporting that their work is meaningful.

Strengthening Visibility and Communications
Alongside program expansion, CSPNJ has increased its public visibility and communications efforts. Historically operating with a limited external presence, the organization has expanded its reach across digital platforms, media outlets, and community partnerships, increasing awareness of its services and mission.

These efforts have supported greater accessibility to services and strengthened CSPNJ’s role as a resource for individuals and communities across New Jersey.

Supporting Communications Leadership
This work has been supported in part by Chelsea Triano, CSPNJ’s Marketing Coordinator, who was also recognized in The 2025 International Business Awards®. As a one-person communications team, Triano has led efforts to expand CSPNJ’s digital presence, increasing social media engagement and building stronger connections with community partners.

Her initiatives include developing accessible communications tools, expanding partnerships, and leading events that support community engagement and awareness. These efforts have contributed to increased visibility and improved access to CSPNJ’s services across the state.

Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey won a Silver Stevie® Award for Organization of the Year – Non-Profit or Government Organizations – Large, and Chelsea Triano won a Silver Stevie Award for Communications Professional of the Year in The 2025 International Business Awards.

Interested in entering for 2026?

Founded in 2017 as a home-based venture on a cattle station in regional Australia, Little Windmill Clothing Co. began with a simple idea: create practical, sun-safe clothing suited to rural life.

Established during Founder Katie Eslick's maternity leave, the business initially focused on cotton children’s wear inspired by a Western aesthetic. What started as a small creative project quickly gained traction among parents seeking durable, stylish alternatives to mainstream children’s fashion.

By 2020, demand had grown enough for the company to formalize its own label and original designs. In its early years, operating around the demands of a young family, Katie steadily expanded production and distribution.

Today, Little Windmill operates two retail shopfronts, a warehouse facility, and employs eight staff members. The product range has broadened to include unisex adult apparel, accessories, footwear, baby items, and curated gift hampers featuring products from other local businesses.

A defining feature of the brand has been its emphasis on quality and durability. The company reports a return rate of under five percent, significantly below broader apparel industry averages. Its clothing is designed for longevity, with customers frequently citing fit and fabric durability as distinguishing characteristics. Ethical sourcing and careful material selection are core to its operating model, reflecting a deliberate move away from fast-fashion production cycles.

Growth has been steady and measurable. Retail sales have risen substantially since the company’s first year. Online sales now account for approximately 80% of total revenue, with website visits continuing to increase annually. Wholesale expansion has also played a role, with more than 22 wholesalers stocking the brand, including partners in the United States. The company regularly participates in trade events such as Rockhampton’s Beef Week to maintain in-person engagement with customers.

Beyond financial performance, the business remains closely tied to its regional roots. It supports local events, school fundraisers, and community initiatives, and has created retail and customer service jobs in rural areas. While its online presence drives most sales, its physical stores continue to serve as community gathering points.

From its beginnings on a cattle station to its current national and international reach, Little Windmill illustrates how a niche concept, grounded in authenticity and operational focus, can evolve into a scalable enterprise.

Little Windmill won a Gold Stevie Award for Small Retail Company of the Year, and two Bronze Stevies for Company of the Year- Consumer Products - Durables - Small and for Startup of the Year - Consumer Products Industries in The 2025 International Business Awards®.

Interested in entering for 2026?

Learning Dimensions Network (LDN), based in Fitzroy, Victoria, has established itself as a leader in corporate training, specializing in leadership and workplace safety.

With more than 30 years of experience, LDN has partnered with organizations across Australia and internationally to design and deliver bespoke training programs that produce measurable results. The company’s approach prioritizes adult learning principles, inclusivity, and the creation of engaging, empowering learning experiences tailored to each client's unique needs.

Under the guidance of CEO Melissa Williams, LDN has achieved remarkable outcomes for clients. The organization maintains a 95% client retention rate, 89% of participants meet their learning objectives, and 94% recommend LDN’s training to others. Programs are designed to develop leaders, enhance workplace safety, and drive organizational performance, equipping teams with practical strategies to inspire, motivate, and create safer work environments.

LDN is also Australia’s only provider of qualifications in creating Safety Leadership Cultures and one of the country’s largest corporate Registered Training Organizations specializing in leadership and safety, with over 23,000 enrollments.

In 2023 and 2024, LDN expanded its global footprint, delivering programs to organizations across Europe, Asia, and North America. The company introduced new initiatives addressing emerging workplace challenges, including diversity and inclusion, emotional intelligence, and leading through change. Bespoke programs have delivered tangible results, such as a 20% increase in employee engagement for a healthcare provider, a 15% reduction in workplace incidents for a construction company, and a 10% improvement in leadership effectiveness scores for a global technology firm.

LDN also partners with major infrastructure organizations to transform safety culture. The “Safety Builders for Frontline Leaders” program, developed with Webuild, was rolled out across multiple Australian projects, including the Melbourne North East Link. Designed to resonate with frontline teams, the program addresses cultural adaptation, short-service employees, and the leadership skills necessary to foster safe, productive workplaces. Over 500 participants completed the program, with 97% reporting that it met or exceeded expectations, demonstrating the program’s measurable impact on safety outcomes.

Beyond its client programs, LDN exemplifies thought leadership in corporate learning. Melissa Williams has spearheaded initiatives leveraging AI tools and interactive platforms to enhance accessibility and engagement, developed a custom IT platform to streamline project management, and shared insights with broader audiences through publications and social media. The organization’s commitment to innovation, adaptability, and high-quality delivery ensures that clients receive not only training but transformative learning experiences that drive lasting change.

LDN earned three Stevie® Awards: Gold for WHS Program of the Year; Silver for Thought Leader of the Year – Business Services, awarded to CEO Melissa Williams; and Bronze for Company of the Year – Business or Professional Services – Small in The 2025 International Business Awards®.

Interested in entering for 2026?

Teeny Tiny Homes, based in Caboolture, Queensland, is redefining homeownership in Australia. Founded in 2016 by David Antonacci, the family-owned business began by renovating transportable granny flats and has since evolved into designing and constructing custom-made tiny homes.

With a focus on high-quality materials, functional design, and durability, Teeny Tiny Homes has built a reputation for delivering affordable, sustainable, and beautiful homes to Australians from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Since its inception, the company has responded to growing demand for accessible housing. By 2022, the business had relocated to a larger facility to increase production, now building 12 homes per month, a threefold increase from previous capacity. This expansion reflects Teeny Tiny Homes’ commitment to efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction while maintaining personalized service and direct communication with clients.

Innovation extends beyond production. The company has implemented time-saving technologies, such as a carpenter trolley system, and has pioneered transparent pricing based on material and labor costs. These practices empower customers with clarity and confidence while also reducing environmental impact by sourcing materials locally and partnering with Australian suppliers.

Teeny Tiny Homes has continued to take on ambitious projects, including its largest build to date: 16 custom portable units for a strawberry farm. The team has also grown to 20 skilled employees, enabling the company to deliver complex projects while maintaining the high-quality craftsmanship for which it is known. The business has garnered attention in local, national, and international media, further highlighting its leadership in the tiny home market.

At its core, Teeny Tiny Homes is more than a construction company; it is a solution provider addressing the Australian housing crisis. With housing affordability challenges, rising property prices, and increasing unmet demand, the company offers a sustainable, cost-effective alternative that empowers individuals to achieve homeownership and financial freedom. Each project contributes not only to a client’s personal goals but also to the broader community, reinforcing the company’s commitment to social impact.

TeenyTiny Homes earned two Gold Stevie® Awards for Company of the Year – Materials & Construction and Best Entrepreneur – Materials & Construction in The International Business Awards®.

Interested in entering for 2026?

On Friday, October 10 we will stage a joint awards ceremony for winners of the 11th German Stevie® Awards and The 22nd International Business Awards® at the Corinthia Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal.  More than 300 executives from around the world will attend to witness the acceptance speeches of winners from a variety of industries and nations.

The presentations will be broadcast live from 7:00 PM / 19:00.

Here is the list of organizations that will be represented at Friday's event:

8X8, Campbell, CA, USA
A.S. Watson, Hong Kong 
ABB Ltd, Zurich, Switzerland
Accedia JSC, Sofia, Bulgaria
ACEN RES, Makati, Philippines
Acolad, Paris, France
AD Ports Group, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
ADSCOPE CONSULTING LLC, Sheridan, WY, USA
AI Techno Center GmbH, Koblenz, Germany
Ak Portfoy (Ak Asset Management), Istanbul, Türkiye
Akbank T.A.Ş., İstanbul, Türkiye
Akrete, Evanston, IL, USA
Albaraka Türk Participation Bank, İstanbul, Türkiye
Alexion İlaç Ticaret Limited Şirketi, İstanbul, Türkiye
Allianz Technology SE, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
Anytime Counselling, Australia Wide
Aselsan A.Ş., Ankara, Türkiye
ATREVIA CORPORACIÓN S.L, Barcelona, Spain 
AutoScout24 Engine GmbH, München, Bayern, Germany
Banco do Brasil S.A. - São Paulo - São Paulo, Brazil
Banco do Brasil S/A., Brasília, Brazil
Banco Popular Dominicano, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Bank of the Philippine Islands, Makati City, Philippines
Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Metro Manila, Philippines
Bingo, Istanbul, Türkiye
BITEL PERU, Lima, Peru
BITZER Kühlmaschinenbau GmbH, Sindelfingen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany 
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG., Ingelheim, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany
boneArtis AG, München, Bayern, Germany
Boosteroid, Austin, TX, USA
Brasilprev, São Paulo, Brazil
Bristol-Myers Squibb, Istanbul, Türkiye
BRP Inc., Montreal, Canada
CABI BioProtection Portal, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
CarrefourSA, Istanbul, Türkiye
Caseware, Vancouver, Canada
Ceramika Paradyż Sp z o.o., Opoczno, Poland
Chrysalis Courses, Bridgwater, United Kingdom
Cloudstaff, Makati City, Philippines
Club Jolly, Istanbul, Türkiye
CNP Seguros Holding Brasil, São Paulo, Brazil
Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Inc., Tokyo, Japan
Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, Taguig, Philippines
CPM India Sales & Marketing Pvt Ltd, New Delhi, India
DANI Communications Co., Ltd, Seoul, South Korea 
DocuWare Europe GmbH, Germering, Germany
Dreamix, Varna, Bulgaria
Dubai Digital Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
e&, United Arab Emirates
ELM, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Empatika Nöropazarlama Araştırma Merkezi, İstanbul, Türkiye
Encore, Schiller Park, IL, USA
Enerjisa Üretim, Istanbul, Türkiye
etisalat and (e&), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 
Eventista Company Limited, Hanoi, Vietnam
Fiba Commercial Properties, Istanbul, Türkiye
Fiba Commercial Properties, Istanbul, Türkiye
Foundever, New York NY, USA  
Frank Bold, Brussels, Belgium
Fujairah Municipality, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
FUSION CX, West Bengal, India
Gary Sprouse, M.D., Chester, MD, USA
Gates Corporation, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Gelecek Varlık Yönetim A.Ş., Istanbul, Türkiye
General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Globus Handelshof St. Wendel GmbH & Co. KG, Germany
GuzelEnerji, Istanbul, Türkiye
Haleon, London, United Kingdom
HALKBANK, Istanbul, Türkiye
Halotel, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
HASE & IGEL GmbH, Oldenburg, Niedersachsen, Germany
HELLENiQ ENERGY Holdings SA, Athens, Greece
HeyMo® The Experience Design Company, İstanbul, Türkiye
HIDDEN BRAINS INFOTECH PRIVATE LIMITED, Ahmedabad, India
Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
IBM Institute for Business Value, Mason City, IA, USA
Infinite AV Solutions, Mardi, NSW, Australia 
Inhabitat LLC FZ, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Just Meant 2 Be, Canton, GA, USA
Kompass Recruitment GmbH, Meerbusch, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
Kuveyt Türk Katılım Bankası AŞ, Istanbul, Türkiye
Lenovo International Services Support (ISS) - Latin America Spanish, Bogota, Colombia
Leobit, Austin, TX, USA
livewelt GmbH & Co KG, Gütersloh, Germany
Lounge Group, Budapest, Hungary
Lucy Davis, From Head to Heart, Surrey, United Kingdom
Lumitel, Bujumbura, Burundi
Manila Electric Company, Metro Manila, Philippines
Market Access, Zug, Switzerland
Martine Cohen, Montreal, Canada
Ministry of Culture, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Ministry of Municipalities & Housing (MOMAH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Molped, Istanbul, Türkiye
Multisys Technologies Corporation, Paranaque City, Philippines
Nicole Schmitz, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Noatum Maritime - Abu Dhabi Ports, United Arab Emirates 
Noguchi & Peters Ltd., Budapest, Hungary
NYMA, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
Oksijen Events, İstanbul, Türkiye
ONE Beyond Success Pty Ltd, Sydney, Australia
OPET, Istanbul, Türkiye
Peta Warby, Australia
pladis, Istanbul, Türkiye
PRecious Communications, Singapore
Prime Development, Istanbul, Türkiye
Prime Minds GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
PT Gagas Energi Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
PT PERMATA GRAHA NUSANTARA, Jakarta, Indonesia
PT Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk, Jakarta, Indonesia
PT PGAS Telekomunikasi Nusantara, Jakarta, Indonesia
PT PGN LNG Indonesia, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia 
PTV Planung Transport Verkehr GmbH, Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Qurio, Singapore
Relias Learning GmbH, Berlin, Germany 
Reputation by Design, Sydney, Australia
Revomed Group Co., Ltd., Nonthaburi, Thailand 
Rochelle Coutenay, Australia
Rudaw Media Network, Erbil, Iraq
SabancıDx, Istanbul, Türkiye
SABC Pension Fund *AND* SABC Medical Scheme, Johannesburg, South Africa
Saman Bank, Tehran, Iran
Sesame Solar, Jackson, MI USA 
SM Supermalls, Metro Manila, Philippines
Softtech, Istanbul, Türkiye
Starbucks Türkiye, Istanbul, Türkiye
Staying Independent Pty Ltd, Sydney, Australia
Stefanini Consultoria E Assessoria Em Informatica S.a., Jaguariúna, SP, São Paulo, Brazil
Stephen Soo Coaching, Doncaster East, Australia
SunExpress Airlines, Antalya, Türkiye
Sunset Hospitality Group, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Synergy Market Research + Strategic Consultancy, Makati City, Philippines
Tata Consultancy Services, Mumbai, India
Telecom Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina 
Telecom International Myanmar Company Limited 
The Stories and Wisdom Company, Seattle, WA, USA
Time Doctor, Las Vegas, NV, USA
Tippenhauer Group GmbH, Reinbek, Germany
Turkish Airlines, Istanbul, Türkiye
Türkiye Sigorta, İstanbul, Türkiye
USPA Global/U.S. Polo Assn., West Palm Beach, FL, USA
Vitamin Marketing Services, Istanbul, Türkiye
XXOO Pets Family GmbH, Oberösterreich, Austria
Yapı Kredi, İstanbul, Türkiye
Ziraat Katilim Bank, Istanbul, Türkiye 

We will begin accepting nominations for the 2026 editions of the German Stevie Awards and The International Business Awards in February.  Learn more about all nine of the Stevie Awards programs at www.StevieAwards.com. 

Winners were announced today in the 2025 People's Choice Stevie® Awards for Favorite Companies, an annual feature of The International Business Awards® and the German Stevie Awards®. The International Business Awards are the world's only international, all-encompassing business awards program, now in its 22^nd year. The 11th German Stevie Awards are the top business awards in the German-speaking European market, honoring organizations of all types across industries.

The worldwide public votes for both The International Business Awards and the German Stevie Awards were conducted in August and September, with the highest number of votes determining the People's Choice winners across various industries. More than 184,000 votes were cast across the two competitions. All Stevie Award nominees in the Company/Organization of the Year categories in this year's International Business Awards (IBA) were eligible to be included in the vote, and all Stevie winners in the German Stevie Awards (GSA) were eligible for the vote.

Winners of the crystal People's Choice Stevie Awards will be honored during The International Business Awards and the German Stevie Awards combined awards gala on Friday, 10 October at the Corinthia Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal. Tickets for the event are now on sale. The winners of peer-adjudicated Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Awards in both programs will also be recognized during the ceremony.

The winners of the 2025 People's Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite Companies in The International Business Awards are:

Advertising, Marketing & PR: Black Girl PR
Business or Professional Services: Golden Hour
Computer Services: Chibitek
Computer Software: MyBusyBee Inc
Conglomerates: PJ Lhuillier Inc (Cebuana Lhuillier)
Consumer Products & Services: TELUS
Diversified Services: PJ Lhuillier Inc. (Cebuana Lhuillier)
Financial Services: PJ Lhuillier Inc. (Cebuana Lhuillier)
Food & Beverage: SANAME
Health Products & Services: Golden Hour
Insurance: Thai Life Insurance Plc.
Legal: ExtendMax Vietnam
Materials & Construction: ACE Consulting Company
Media & Entertainment: Jasmine Norris Photography
Non-Profit / Government: Fujairah Municipality
Other: Dr. Phone Fix
Real Estate: AyalaLand Logistics Holdings Corp.
Retail: Constructor
Telecommunications: Dr. Phone Fix

The winners of the 2025 People's Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite Companies in the German Stevie Awards are:

Unternehmen des Jahres - B2B-Produkte und -Dienstleistungen (inkl. diversifizierter Dienstleistungen): auticon Deutschland GmbH
Unternehmen des Jahres - Industrie, Fertigung, Transport & Logistik (einschließlich Luft- und Raumfahrt/Verteidigung, Automobil, Chemie und Energie): Werner Schmid GmbH
Unternehmen des Jahres - Informationstechnologie: Computer & Elektronik, inkl. Computersoftware, -hardware und -dienstleistungen: AI Techno Center GmbH
Unternehmen des Jahres - Kommunikationsservice: Medien & Telekommunikation: ZDF
Unternehmen des Jahres - Konsumgüter & -dienstleistungen (inkl. Finanz- und Versicherungswesen): Globus Handelshof St. Wendel GmbH & Co. KG
Unternehmen des Jahres - Non-Profit-Organisationen: Market Access
Unternehmen des Jahres - Werbung, Marketing und PR: riba:businesstalk GmbH
Unternehmen des Jahres - Sonstige: SCHÖNES LEBEN Gruppe

Entries for The 23rd (2026) International Business Awards and the 12^th (2026) German Stevie Awards will be accepted starting in February.

About the Stevie® Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

The Stevie® Awards, organizers of the world’s premier business awards programs, have announced the winners of six Grand (“best in show”) Stevie Award trophies in The 2025 (22^nd Annual) International Business Awards®, the world’s leading business awards competition.

Nominees in the 2025 International Business Awards were not able to apply for Grand Stevie Awards directly. Winners of “most honored” Grand Stevies were determined by a points system based on the total number of awards won in the IBAs, with a Gold Stevie win counting for three points, a Silver Stevie win for two points, and a Bronze Stevie win for 1.5 points.

This year’s Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners in The International Business Awards were announced on 13 August. Those Stevie winners and the winners of the Grand Stevies announced today will be recognized during an awards gala in Lisbon, Portugal on 10 October.

Winners of the 2025 Grand Stevie Awards are:

Organization of the Year

Cathay Financial, including Cathay United Bank and Cathay Securities Corporation, wins this year’s honor with 56 award points, earned on the basis of nine Gold, four Silver, and 14 Bronze Stevie wins. Cathay Financial is a major financial holding company offering a range of financial products and services through its subsidiaries, including insurance, banking, and investment services. Cathay Financial is known for its strong presence in Taiwan and its expanding reach in the Asia Pacific region. This is the first-ever Grand Stevie win for Taiwan.

Most Honored Marketing Agency

Lounge Group, Budapest, Hungary, wins this top honor for the second year in a row, on the basis of seven Gold, two Silver, and one Bronze Stevie wins (26.5 points) for campaigns on behalf of a number of clients.

Most Honored Public Relations Agency

ZIMAT, Mexico City, Mexico, wins with five Gold, two Silver, and four Bronze Stevie wins (25 points) for communications campaigns and publications on behalf of a range of their clients. This marks Mexico’s first Grand Stevie Award win.

Most Honored Awards Agency

Annette Densham, Award Writing Specialist, based in Bali, Indonesia, is the first winner of this new Grand Stevie Award, on the basis of 16 Gold, 10 Silver, and 17 Bronze Stevie wins (93.5 points) for nominations prepared and submitted on behalf of a wide range of small businesses in Australia. Densham won a top-five Grand Stevie in last year’s Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

Highest-rated Nomination of the Year

The Gold Stevie-winning nomination of Ivan Shvaichenko, CEO of cloud-gaming platform Boosteroid, is this year’s winner with an average score of 9.42 out of a possible 10. Gold Stevie winner for Best Entrepreneur - Computer Services, the Ukraine native is now based in Austin, Texas USA.

Highest-rated New Product or Service Nomination of the Year

This year’s honor goes to ExtendMax Vietnam Company Limited, Hanoi, for the nomination entitled “Pioneering End-to-End IOR/EOR Services in Vietnam’s Compliance Market,” which won the Gold Stevie for Best New Business-to-Business Service. This is the first Grand Stevie Award win for Vietnam.

Maggie Miller, President of the Stevie Awards, stated, “The six Grand Stevie Award winners embody the remarkable diversity and excellence of the entries we received in the 2025 IBAs. In an era of constant change, leading organizations continue to adapt and excel. Our judges were deeply impressed by the creativity, ingenuity, and expertise these winners have demonstrated in advancing their organizations over the past two years. We look forward with great anticipation to celebrating these distinguished recipients at the upcoming gala in Lisbon.”

The International Business Awards feature a wide variety of categories to recognize achievement in every facet of work life, including management awards, new product awards, marketing awards, PR awards, customer service awards, website awards, and more.

Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award placements in the 2025 IBAs were determined by the average scores of more than 250 professionals worldwide in the three-month judging process. Winners were selected from more than 3,800 nominations submitted by organizations in 78 nations and territories.

The nomination process for the 2026 IBAs will open in February. For more information about The International Business Awards, including a complete list of all Stevie Award winners in the 2025 competition, visit www.StevieAwards.com/IBA.

High-achieving organizations and executives around the world have been recognized as Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie® Award winners in The 22nd Annual International Business Awards®, the world's only international, all-encompassing business awards program.

Winners were selected from more than 3,800 nominations submitted by organizations in 78 nations and territories.

A complete list of all 2025 Gold, Silver and Bronze Stevie Award winners by category is available at www.StevieAwards.com/IBA.

More than 250 professionals around the world serving as Stevie Award judges on nine specialized juries reviewed and rated nominations to determine the winners.

The top winners of Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Awards are HALKBANK and pladis, both of Türkiye, with 21 wins each.

Winners of three or more Gold Stevie Awards include pladis (11), HALKBANK (10), Cathay Financial Holding Co. Ltd. (9), CarrefourSA (7), Lounge Group (7), PJ Lhuillier Inc. (7), Mang Inasal Philippines (6), Megaworld Lifestyle Malls (6), Tata Consultancy Services (6), Abu Dhabi Customs (5), ATREVIA CORPORACIÓN S.L (5), ExtendMax Vietnam Company Limited (5), Manila Electric Company (5), Pan American Energy (5), ZIMAT (5), Addvox (4), Enerjisa Enerji (4), HeyMo® The Experience Design Company (4), IBM (4), Miral Destinations (4), Partner.Co (4), Viettel (4), İş Sanat (3), A.S. WATSON (3), Bank of the Philippine Islands (3), Community Development Authority (3), DDB Group Philippines (3), Dr. Phone Fix (3), Dubai Digital Authority (3), General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (3), Kendra Scott (3), Lenovo (3), Netcracker Technology (3), Türk Telekom (3), The City of Sydney (3), and WNS (3).

All organizations worldwide are eligible to compete in the IBAs and may submit any number of nominations in a wide range of categories for achievement in management, marketing, public relations, customer service, human resources, new products and services, technology, websites, apps, events, and more.

Winners will be celebrated during a gala event in Lisbon, Portugal at the Corinthia Hotel on 10 October, 2025. Tickets are on sale now.

Nominations for the 2026 edition of the IBAs will be accepted starting in February.